On Tuesday, the American Bus Association Foundation (ABAF) announced that the highest number of students in its history — 19 — will each receive $2,500 scholarships for the 2009-2010 academic year, making the $47,500 total distributed for the upcoming year a record annual sum awarded in the Foundation’s 13-year history.

“The ABA Foundation scholarship program enables ABA members and the general public to work toward degrees that support the motorcoach, group travel and tour industries, as well as promote academic excellence and diversity,” said ABA Foundation President Peter J. Pantuso. “The foundation scholarships are an integral part of creating the future of our industry by nurturing and encouraging the next generation of leaders.”

ABAF scholarships are designed to create opportunities for young people interested in pursuing careers in the motorcoach, tour and travel fields. The Foundation also sponsors groundbreaking research to show the value of the motorcoach community to society.

The ABAF is a nonprofit organization with an emphasis on scholarships, research, technology and continuing education. Created in 1997, the ABAF administers the George T. Snyder Jr. Scholarship Program, named in honor of the former ABA president who had a lifelong interest in helping others achieve advancement opportunities through education.

The recipients of the 2009-2010 scholarships winners are (by category):

Operators:

Tracey Stabile of DATTCO, Maura Fox of Fox Bus Lines Inc., Devin Altizer of Terry’s Tours, Melissa Metry of Olympia Trails-Coach USA, William Summerly of Mdt. Inc., Elizabeth Mlaker of Mlaker Transportation and Britney Willis of Texoma Tours.

Members:

Melissa Dolly of Starr Transit Company Inc., Nicki Noble of the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, Kerianne Ketterer of Shoreway Acres Inn, Amanda Alt of Lodestar Bus Lines & Tours, Matthew Wywial of Coach Canada and Holly Zeszutco of ABC Companies Inc.

Academic:

Amy Gilkerson of Jefferson Ohio and Mary Gibson of Strykersville, N.Y.

Diversity:

Natasha Kramer of Minneapolis and Erica Mesker of San Diego.

Peter L. Picknelly:

Sean Burris of Kannapolis, N.C., American Charters/Coach America.

Ron Cornell Memorial:

Jason McLean of Ocoee, Fla., American Coachline of Orlando